ICT & Computing

Intent

Through our ICT curriculum, our students gain knowledge about how computer systems work and how they can be used. They learn to identify where people are important in an IT system and where computation is important in a computing system so that they can make informed decisions about how and why to use ICT.  

We help students to understand how IT systems are developed, focussing on the effects on the people who use ICT so that they can go on and improve ICT in the future. We introduce students to the concept of algorithmic thinking, and the ways in which a real-world problem can be decomposed to construct a working solution.  

As well as learning about IT systems, our curriculum provides students with coding skills to enable them to write software which can create solutions to business requirements. They gain the knowledge they need to enable them to choose and evaluate appropriate software so that they become discerning users of ICT and use ICT to support human activity. 

How our subject contributes to personal development 

Our curriculum examines online behaviour and how to communicate with others in a respectful manner. We look at the concept of a digital footprint and the need to be mindful of this when using online services 

We also investigate the many types of cybercrime, how they occur and what can be done to combat them – which very often means taking personal steps to ensure the safety of your own data and the data that you use. 

Finally, we investigate the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on society.  As well as the potential benefits of AI we also look at problems that may arise of because of the inherent biases in the data models used.  

Enrichment Opportunities and Wider Support 

• KS3 IT Club 

• KS4 Coursework support sessions